Used Outboards

[Bigshrimpin]

There are weak points on every motor. Educating yourself on these common issues will help you to know what to look for when shopping. In my experience there are a few absolutes.

1. ALL MOTORS have weak points.
2. Most people don't sell motors that are running perfectly.
3. Buying used engines is ALWAYS a crap shoot.
4. You can test for somethings (compression, spark, codes, hours), but one of the best tests is a 20 - 30 minute ride through the full RPM range which is not always possible.
5. internal corrosion is not always easy to detect.
6. Fuel restrictions causes a LOT of 2 strokes to pop and that's not the fault of a motor as much as their owners would like to think. Common causes for fuel restrictions are USCG saftey nipples, screens in fuel pickup, filters, and crappy hoses. It doesn't take long to kill a 2 stroke from a fuel restriction.


2.6L Hpdi's (150,175,200) were very reliable. I am not aware or any major issues with the early years.

3.0L Opti's (225, 250) compressors go bad after a while. A local tow BoatUS captain up here carry spares optimax compressors and can change them on the water.

2002 - 2004 Fichts were good especially the 250's. After bombardier bought them they worked out a lot of the problems. There were issues with electronics in computer that can be addressed by DFI. Most ETEC's are fairly reliable.